Updates to this feature are currently paused as we assess the best way to monitor and expose the large number of attacks on science that we're seeing from the current administration.
Science is at the core of a healthy democracy. But for years, presidential administrations have, in differing ways, sidelined scientific evidence and attacked scientific integrity.
Below is a running list of attacks on science. They include disappearing data, silenced scientists, suppressed studies, and other assaults on science-based policy. The list provides a representative sample of threats to the federal scientific enterprise—and a warning of what we face in the future. More information can be found in our peer-reviewed study and in our data repository.
Attacks on science
The EPA Is Limiting Data Collection on a Harmful Air Pollutant
In 20 US states EPA no longer uses the technology best supported by science to monitor NOx pollution.
The Trump Administration Has Undermined a Nationwide Conservation Program
The Trump administration has defunded a successful science-based conservation program known as Landscape Conservation Cooperatives.
Scientists’ Concerns on Oil and Gas Operations in Alaska Are Buried by the Trump Administration
The DOI failed to consider 18 memos from scientists who had raised concerns about proposed oil and gas operations in Alaska.
EPA Leadership Is Suppressing Release of Scientific Studies on Dangers of Chemicals
EPA has stalled research on a program that carries out scientific studies which assess the toxicity risks of chemicals to human health.
DOI Officials Bury Report Showing Hundreds of Endangered Species Are Greatly Harmed by Two Pesticides
DOI blocked a report that identified two pesticides as threats to more than 1,200 endangered animals and plants.
Trump Administration Shunts Data Collection and Research on Medicaid Work Requirement
The CMS, has approved numerous state plans to implement a work requirement for Medicaid participants.
DOI Lets Offshore Oil Companies Off the Hook from Safety Testing
Politico obtained data showing that, in a two-year period, the DOI had given offshore oil drillers 1,679 waivers to regulations that tested the safety of equipment
EPA Blocks NASA from Monitoring Air Pollution Levels in Houston After Hurricane Harvey
The EPA and Texas authorities stopped NASA scientists from sampling air pollution data after Hurricane Harvey.
Trump Administration Gags Doctors from Speaking about Abortion to Low-Income Women
HHS issued a rule that significantly alters the Title X program, the federal grant program that supports family planning services for low-income individuals.
Justice Department Refuses to Correct a Highly Misleading Report Linking Immigration with Terrorism
DOJ officials have refused to retract a report that contained misleading errors, which implied a link between terrorism and immigration.
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